The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
